On a balmy summer afternoon, amid the manicured grounds of a boutique hotel in picturesque Dominican Republic, betrothed high-school friends Arisleidy Blanco and Jose Rosado were joined in marriage in a celebration that effortlessly wove classic elegance with modern sophistication. The event, with a panoramic view of Cibao Valley, the city of Santiago de los Caballeros, and the Central Mountain range, was a masterclass in initimate luxury.

The couple’s vision was clear from the start: to create an atmosphere of warmth, refinement, and timeless beauty and design an experience that felt as intimate as it was grand. Working closely with their wedding planner who provided them with invaluable advice, they brought that vision to life with meticulous attention to detail and a deep appreciation for meaningful design. Guests were welcomed with live music, setting the tone for the enchanting nuptials ahead.

The ceremony took place inside a gorgeous sanctuary where a symphony of white florals and soft greenery framed the aisle and altar. The bride envisioned an ethereal setting, with lush arrangements that felt organic.

As the bride made her entrance in a breathtaking gown featuring a strapless bodice and frothy skirt, a collective hush fell over guests. Arisleidy’s look was complemented with a timeless cathedral veil, while Jose exuded classic charm in a custom black tuxedo. The officiant beautifully wove personal anecdotes with heartfelt words that moved many to tears. As the couple exchanged vows, the light filtered gently through stained-glass windows, illuminating the romantic moment. “The mass was very moving,” says the bride of the memory.

“Our reception was so magical and so much more than what we had imagined.”

The reception was held in an open-air pavilion adorned in a palette of muted hues that struck the perfect balance between romance and modernity. Long tables were bedecked with arrangements of vanilla blooms situated in a variety of vessels, accented by gold flatware and hand-calligraphed place cards. Candlelight flickered from tall tapers and votives, creating an opulent ambience.

Beneath a canopy of twinkling lights and surrounded by thousands of gorgeous florals that dotted the space, Arisleidy and Jose began their first dance. Every element of the evening was a reflection of the couple’s shared aesthetic: elevated, thoughtful, and inviting. Guests enjoyed a curated multi-course dining experience that celebrated seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and traditional Dominican Republic dishes.

As the evening progressed, the celebration continued with a lively DJ who kept the energy high into the after-party. Late-night bites and slices of the seven different cakes – with one featuring a layer that mimicked the bride’s dress design and offering flavors of turrón, strawberry, and caramel – delighted loved ones as they reveled in the joy of the occasion.

From the beginning to the final farewell, the bride and groom’s wedding was not just a day, it was an experience: luxurious yet deeply personal. As guests departed with full hearts and keepsakes of the night, it was clear that this celebration would linger in memory, not only for its beauty but for the love it so artfully honored.

This real wedding was originally published in the Summer 2025 expanded-digital issue of Inside Weddings magazine. 

To order a copy of the Summer 2025 expanded digital edition, visit our library of Inside Weddings digital back issues available for purchase.